Chapter 20 Black Heart Influenced from a Young Age

"What is this...?" The fat woman looked at Professor Su, and then at the person next to Professor Su.

You should know that Professor Su works at the research institute and is an exceptionally capable person.

Many people here know that there are many people working at the research institute next door, and they basically live together with the military personnel, which can be considered a form of protection.

"I'm here to see my niece," Professor Su said. Song Fenglan was the niece of his classmate and friend, so she was his niece. "I'm here to see my niece."

Professor Su emphasized again, "That is my own niece."

When Qin Yizhou opened the door, he saw Professor Su. Song Fenglan had also gotten up early and had cooked a vegetable and lean meat porridge. Song Fenglan could make this kind of simple porridge.

Song Fenglan was a little nervous. Even though she believed that Professor Su would give her a chance after reading the documents, she was still afraid that something else might be going on. She worried that Madam Su might not want Professor Su to get involved in their family's affairs, or that Professor Su might have other considerations.

Originally, Song Fenglan planned to open the door, but she had just finished cooking the porridge, and Qin Zihang was nearby. Worried that her son might get burned, Song Fenglan decided to wait and bring the porridge to the table first. Using a special earthenware pot to cook the porridge made things a little simpler.

"Professor Su." Qin Yizhou recognized Professor Su and quickly invited him into the room.

"You must be my niece's husband," Professor Su said.

"Yes." Qin Yizhou nodded.

Professor Su then led his people into the courtyard. Seeing how warmly Professor Su was to Qin Yizhou, the plump woman couldn't help but wonder how Song Fenglan had become Professor Su's niece. Professor Su had even come in person; Professor Su was a remarkable person.

When Professor Su entered the living room, he saw Song Fenglan wearing an apron and serving porridge to Qin Zihang.

"Wrong, wrong," Professor Su said.

"What?" Qin Yizhou didn't understand.

“Niece.” Professor Su walked quickly to Song Fenglan and held her hand tightly. “Why are you doing these things? You should go to our research institute and work in our unit. Your child should be taken care of by your aunt. She’s at home, and her children aren’t around. She doesn’t need to help take care of her grandchildren. Let your child go to your uncle’s house.”

Professor Su had been thinking about Song Fenglan's situation, and he remembered what his wife had said about Song Fenglan raising their son and all the messy things that had happened. If Song Fenglan was to go do research, and there was no one to take care of the child, then his wife could simply take care of the child—it was that simple.

Professor Su thought that his wife was still in good health and could help take care of the children.

“Professor Su,” Song Fenglan said.

"Call him Uncle," Professor Su said. "Your uncle was my classmate. We used to be very close."

Professor Su then turned to Qin Zihang, who was looking puzzled, and said, "Baby, call him Grandpa."

Qin Zihang looked at his mother, and when she nodded, he said, "Uncle."

"Good boy." Professor Su took out a red envelope from his pocket and handed it to Qin Zihang. Before he came, he had been thinking about what he should prepare, and after thinking about it, he came up with the idea of ​​a red envelope.

This was Professor Su's first meeting with Song Fenglan and her son. Professor Su acknowledged Song Fenglan's abilities, and more importantly, the drawings she produced represented a new possibility. This made Professor Su value Song Fenglan even more. His old classmate's niece had come to him seeking help; even if his old classmate's niece didn't have such great abilities, he should still lend a hand.

“Uncle,” Song Fenglan said.

"Yes," Professor Su replied with a smile.

"Have you eaten? Would you like some porridge that was just cooked?" Song Fenglan asked.

“I’ve already eaten, I’ve already eaten,” Professor Su said. “I contacted the director last night and asked them for special permission to let you work in our institute. You are Commander Qin’s wife, you have the ability, you should go.”

Professor Su and the director had a big argument; to be precise, Professor Su complained that the director was slow in handling matters. The director's idea was to wait a few days. Given Song Fenglan's background, it was fine to ask her to do other things, but working on airplanes was a highly confidential and sensitive task, which wasn't ideal.

Then, Professor Su started saying that the director didn't understand research, whether the director looked down on Song Fenglan like everyone else, whether the director looked down on him, and that their current fighter jets were basically modified and upgraded from elsewhere, not domestically produced. He said that they were being choked and could hardly breathe, yet they were still thinking about waiting.

Wait my ass! Capable people should be heading to research institutes sooner rather than later.

Besides, the situation is gradually easing now, so why can't the director make an exception?

Furthermore, Song Fenglan trusted them, which is why she handed over those materials and solved a crucial problem that had been troubling them for a long time. Even before arriving at the research institute, Song Fenglan had already proven her capabilities. If they let such talent go unattracted, would they allow the country to continue falling behind?

The director was scolded by Professor Su for quite a while, so he couldn't say no. He could only call his superiors that night and go up the chain of command. After the top leader learned about this, he said that special talents should be given special consideration. Since someone as strict as Professor Su considered him a genius, they should give him a chance.

Besides, Professor Su had never praised anyone like this before. While the contents of the other blueprints were difficult to verify, the radar-detection-resistant design was worth a try. If it worked, it would demonstrate Song Fenglan's great capabilities, allowing them to further increase their regard for her.

“Of course, we’re letting you go not because you’re someone’s wife,” Professor Su said. “It’s just that with that as a guarantee, they’re more accepting of you.”

Professor Su was worried that Song Fenglan would be unhappy, since everyone hoped that people would rely on their own abilities, and Song Fenglan herself had also relied on her own efforts. It's just that others didn't believe it; having this kind of status was ultimately a good thing.

Even without Professor Su saying it, Song Fenglan understood this.

"Mom." Qin Zihang saw so many people here, all of them strangers, and he couldn't help but grab his mother's clothes tightly, worried that something might happen.

“This is your great-uncle.” Song Fenglan patted Qin Zihang’s head.

“We’ve all eaten, you all should eat quickly,” Professor Su said. “In a little while, we can take the child to your aunt’s place, or we can take him to the institute. There’s a special place for children there. But it’s better to leave him with your aunt. She lives alone, so it’s easier for her to take care of the child.”

"Wouldn't this be too much trouble for Aunt?" Song Fenglan asked.

“No trouble at all, not at all,” Professor Su said. “Your aunt lives alone at home, which must be quite lonely. With your child… what’s his name again?”

"Zihang, Qin Zihang, Uncle can call me Hangbao." Qin Zihang ate a few mouthfuls of porridge, "Hangbao."

"Hangbao." Professor Su exclaimed in surprise, "Which 'hang'?"

“The ‘Hang’ in ‘sailing’,” Qin Zihang replied. “Hang also means boat, and I am my father’s son.”

When Qin Yizhou heard his son's explanation of the name, he looked intently at his wife. Did the fact that his wife gave their son such a name mean that she cared about him a lot?

"A good name, a good name." Professor Su's eyes were slightly red.

“His name is Qin Zihang, and my name is Song Fenglan,” Song Fenglan said. She thought that Professor Su might not know her name yet, so she had to tell him.

“Niece, when your uncle was alive, he said he wanted to build fighter jets for our country,” Professor Su said. “We studied abroad together, and we also went to school together in China. Back then, he wanted to return to China with us, but… he’s gone.”

Professor Su's heart trembled as he recalled that scene. They had promised to serve their country together. On the way back home, countless people fell victim to the foreigners' relentless pursuit of their advanced technology, resorting to assassination attempts at every turn.

“My uncle… I want to fulfill the dream he couldn’t achieve,” Song Fenglan said. “When I was very young, my parents talked about my uncle, saying that he was a very capable person.”

If my uncle were still alive, if he had entered those cutting-edge research institutes, he would definitely have made achievements, and the Song family's situation would be completely different. Everyone treats them as a different Song family, assuming they've transferred their assets overseas, but that's not the case.

There are many people with the same surname in the world, and the Song family didn't have that much wealth transferred overseas. Song Fenglan did have relatives abroad, which was normal; many wealthy families at the time had this situation—not all members of the family were in China.

“You can definitely fulfill your uncle’s dream,” Professor Su said. “Wait a moment, then come with me to his workplace.”

"Going in a little while?" Song Fenglan asked, puzzled. "Isn't it supposed to go through an approval process?"

“I spoke with the director, and the higher-ups agreed,” Professor Su said. “Go directly there; don’t worry about those issues.”

"Yes." Song Fenglan nodded. She was very happy that she could walk the same path as in her previous life. It was better to walk the same path as in her previous life. Firstly, it would be easier, and secondly, it would allow her son to have a better life.

Qin Yizhou didn't say much. His wife had said yesterday that she wasn't going to be a middle school teacher, but rather to work at a research institute. He had been thinking of going to see her supervisor today. Unexpectedly, his wife had already taken care of everything, and even had Professor Su come to their door in person.

Professor Su and others

Since they had already eaten, Professor Su told Song Fenglan to eat first, and they could talk about other things afterward.

Qin Zihang obediently ate his porridge, and Song Fenglan even put a fried egg on her son's plate. The fried egg was made by Qin Yizhou. Song Fenglan's version was simple and not very good; it was easy to burn, and the salt didn't dissolve well. Qin Yizhou, on the other hand, could fry a sunny-side-up egg, and he made it look very nice.

Among those who came with Professor Su were his research assistants and his personal assistants. They weren't entirely sure of Song Fenglan's capabilities, but they all felt that Professor Su wouldn't fawn over someone like that. They had heard Professor Su talk about his old classmates, and they knew that some of his old classmates had died from bullets. Professor Su had returned from overseas to participate in research, while some scientists who had returned to China had perished before even setting foot on their homeland.

After breakfast, Qin Yizhou had to go to the military base; he was a little worried about Song Fenglan.

"You go ahead and do your work. I'll go find Auntie with Uncle." Song Fenglan trusted Professor Su. Qin Yizhou knew Professor Su, and the Professor Su in front of her was genuine.

Song Fenglan carried Qin Zihang out of the house, and Professor Su said, "Let them carry Hangbao, don't tire yourself out."

“It’s okay, I’ll hold him a little longer,” Song Fenglan said. “If I have to go to work, I’ll have less time to see him.”

If she were a middle school teacher, she wouldn't need to clock in. After finishing her classes, Song Fenglan could go home early to be with her child. But after going to the research institute, it's already good enough if she can go to work and leave on time, let alone come home early, especially now that China is rebuilding and the gap with foreign countries is too big.

“You love him very much,” Professor Su said.

“My family background isn’t good. Although I stayed in the capital,… this child has faced a lot of prejudice since birth,” Song Fenglan said. “After coming here, I thought things would get better, but who could have imagined…”

Song Fenglan hugged her son tightly; she couldn't let him continue to suffer those unfair treatments.

“If I can get into the research institute and make achievements, will he be able to live a better life?” Song Fenglan said. “In the future, people won’t say he’s the child of a bourgeois rich girl, and they won’t say anything bad about him.”

"No, those people can't say that anymore," Professor Su said. "Your parents and..."

“They’re on the farm,” Song Fenglan said. “They managed to keep me in the city, letting me stay with my aunt. After graduating from high school, I became a middle school teacher. Although it wasn’t a permanent position, but a temporary substitute teacher, I still received some pay.”

Those people are holding Song Fenglan hostage, saying that her family background is problematic, and they are delaying the process of officially recognizing her.

After Song Fenglan married Qin Yizhou, people treated her well for a short time, but when they realized that the Qin family didn't value her as much, their attitude towards her became very cold again.

"Sigh," Professor Su sighed.

“This time, I also want you to give me a chance,” Song Fenglan said.

"It's not me giving you a chance, it's you giving us a chance." Professor Su felt a pang of heartache, thinking about how many outstanding people like Song Fenglan had been buried in obscurity.

It wasn't that Professor Su looked down on those worker-peasant-soldier students, but rather that many of those recommended to university had poor grades and knew nothing, yet they still got in. These people didn't have the necessary abilities; even if they got into research institutes, they were far too inadequate.

The professors at the research institute still had to teach those people, instructing them little by little, re-teaching them. Once, twice, three times... if those people didn't understand, they would be taught again and again.

If this were abroad, Professor Su, who had previously taught overseas, would jokingly tell foreign students who didn't understand that he was brainless and to go back and study more. But when it came to his own countrymen, Professor Su and his colleagues naturally taught them repeatedly, hoping they would learn more.

Mrs. Su had just returned home from grocery shopping when she met Professor Su and others downstairs.

"Madam," Professor Su walked up to Madam Su, "this is our family's niece and grand-nephew."

Last night, Mrs. Su noticed Professor Su's attitude and knew that he valued Song Fenglan highly. Mrs. Su thought about it and also felt that Song Fenglan and her son were too pitiful.

"I've already spoken with Fenglan. When she goes to work, Hangbao will stay at our house. I'll have to trouble you to look after him for a bit," Professor Su said cautiously. He hadn't told his wife beforehand, afraid she would be unhappy.

"What's the big deal? Let the child come over." Mrs. Su chuckled. Even though her husband hadn't discussed it with her beforehand, she knew him well. He must think Song Fenglan was a promising talent, which was why he was helping her like this. "It's perfect. I get rather bored by myself. Having a child around will make things a bit more fun. Fenglan, you can bring the child over when you go to work, and then come and take care of him after you get off work. It's no problem for him to sleep here with us."

Song Fenglan took out some tickets from her pocket, and Professor Su shook his head when he saw this.

"Fenglan, keep these things for yourself and eat more to nourish yourself," Professor Su said. "You call us uncle and aunt, so we're family. There's no need to be so polite. My wages are enough for Hangbao to eat."

"That won't do." Song Fenglan thought that she had already troubled Professor Su and Mrs. Su, and she couldn't take advantage of them like this.

"Make yourself at home here, don't be shy," Professor Su said. "If you don't believe me, ask your aunt."

“Yes, your uncle is right,” Madam Su said. “Treat this place as your own home, and you should too. You didn’t even mention your uncle’s name yesterday. If your aunt knew, she would never let you go back.”

Madam Su sighed. There were too many people from her family; she couldn't possibly be so hospitable to everyone. Madam Su told Song Fenglan and the others to hurry inside and not stand outside.

Song Fenglan had to teach her son a few words, "Be good and stay with your aunt, okay? If you have any problems, tell Mom later."

"Mmm-hmm." Qin Zihang nodded vigorously, "It's just like being with my great-aunt."

Qin Zihang understood; he had been with his great-aunt before, so he knew what to do.

“Yes.” Song Fenglan felt a pang of heartache looking at her son, who was so well-behaved and sensible. As a mother, she still had to work hard to give her child a better life. “Stay with your auntie and don’t run around. Be careful not to get kidnapped by human traffickers and never see your mother again.”

“I’ll stay with my aunt,” Qin Zihang said.

Professor Su pulled his wife aside and said a few words. He knew that his actions had put his wife in a difficult position. He said, "Both Fenglan and her husband have to work, and there is no one at home to take care of the children. We can only trouble you, Madam."

“Hangbao is very well-behaved,” Mrs. Su said. “I’m all alone, so taking care of the child is still manageable.”

Madam Su wasn't unhappy; she just felt sorry for them. What good is being outstanding if you're gone and can't protect your family? Your family has to suffer these unfair treatments. Even Song Fenglan herself is having a hard time. With Song Fenglan and her son coming, so many people are waiting to see them make a fool of themselves; everyone is bullying them.

Song Fenglan was reluctant to leave her child, but she still went with Professor Su. She sniffled, not wanting her son to see her reluctance. She wanted to do as much as possible, to showcase her abilities, so that her treatment would improve, and her child's treatment would follow suit.

"Mom!" Qin Zihang ran to the bedroom door.

Song Fenglan didn't dare turn around, she just waved. It wasn't like they wouldn't see each other again; they could meet again after work.

"Mom is going to work, she'll be back tonight," Mrs. Su reassured Qin Zihang.

"Auntie, will they bully Mom?" Qin Zihang asked.

"Why do you say that?" Madam Su asked.

“They all bully Mom.” Qin Zihang said aggrievedly, “They said Mom will ruin my life, that Mom is bad, and that Dad is going to find me a stepmother. I don’t want a stepmother, I want Mom.”

"Don't worry, with your great-uncle here, those people won't dare to bully your mother. You can stay here with your auntie in peace." Madam Su suddenly thought of something, "Auntie will take you out to play. I am your auntie."

At this moment, Madam Su thought that her husband had asked Qin Zihang to stay with her, probably because he thought that with family around, Qin Zihang would not be easily bullied.

When Professor Su went to see Song Fenglan, word spread quickly. The fat woman saw Song Fenglan, and Professor Su even asked her where she lived on the street. Many people knew that Professor Su valued Song Fenglan.

While the plump woman was washing the clothes in the courtyard, she was chatting with others.

"She's from the Qin family. She's Professor Su's niece. Professor Su said it himself," the plump woman said. "It can't be fake."

"Really?" someone asked from the side.

"It's true, I heard it with my own ears. I even asked Professor Su, and he said..."

"It's Qin Tuan's family, and it's his niece," said the plump woman.

"Why didn't I see them together the other day?" someone wondered.

“Professor Su is so busy,” said the plump woman. “Besides, it should be the younger generation paying respects to the elders. Perhaps Professor Su and his family didn’t know that the Qin family was here, and the Qin family was also afraid that Professor Su would be implicated. After the Xu family made such a fuss, here they are, coming to our door.”

As the fat woman finished speaking, she glanced in the direction of Staff Officer Xu's house again, "Some people just think others are easy to bully! Others are just a little low-key. No wonder Commander Qin married Feng Lan. Feng Lan is no slouch either."

Shi Guilan was busy finding a partner for her cousin. She thought a few men were good, but some of them had a good relationship with Qin Yizhou, and she was afraid they would reject her cousin because of Qin Yizhou. If she were to find someone else, she had to find someone outstanding, not someone too bad. After all, her cousin was the most beautiful girl in the performing arts troupe.

Before arranging a marriage for her cousin, Shi Guilan went to see Mrs. Zhao. Mrs. Zhao was at the Women's Federation, and Shi Guilan didn't wait for Mrs. Zhao to return home; some things couldn't be delayed indefinitely.

Logically speaking, Shi Guilan should have gone to see Madam Zhao yesterday, but she didn't and kept putting it off until today.

"I'm sorry." Shi Guilan arrived at Madam Zhao's office. "Yesterday I misspoke, I..."

"When will you ever stop slurring your words?" Madam Zhao was in a bad mood. "You said the Qin family was cursed, and you said it was a slip of the tongue. And now you're slurring your words again when you're giving your self-criticism? Do you think anyone will believe you for slurring your words?"

Song Fenglan didn't want the junior high school teacher position. If she gave it to someone else, they might not be grateful; they would just think it was rightfully hers. If Song Fenglan went to be the teacher, it would be considered her cutting in line.

Madam Zhao had been thinking about these things all night. After a little thought, she naturally understood the reasons behind them, especially since Song Fenglan had also said a few words. They couldn't keep bullying Song Fenglan indefinitely. Even though Shi Guilan had been here for a long time, they couldn't assume that Shi Guilan was always right and had done nothing wrong.

“I…I didn’t mean it. I originally wanted to talk about it privately,” Shi Guilan said. “I was angry and frustrated at the time, which is why I said those things.”

"Can't you be a little more careful with your words when you're out and about?" Madam Zhao said. "If you were in your own home, saying those things behind closed doors, that would be one thing. But speaking in the broadcast room, didn't you know to check if the broadcast was turned off?"

Madam Zhao wasn't on Shi Guilan's side; she simply felt that Shi Guilan had caused her a lot of trouble. Shi Guilan, however, clearly didn't see it that way. She believed Madam Zhao was on her side, but because Madam Zhao had spoken out and many people had heard her words, Madam Zhao couldn't openly side with her.

Shi Guilan is really good at thinking. She feels that she has lived here for many years and is more familiar with these people, so they should stand on her side. They can't possibly stand on Shi Guilan's side.

“This was an accident, there won’t be a next time,” Shi Guilan said. “We will all be more careful, we definitely will be careful, and it’s impossible for something like this to happen again. My cousin and I have decided to find her a partner as soon as possible so she can get married soon.”

"Have you made a decision?" Madam Zhao asked.

"It's decided." Shi Guilan nodded. "She's getting old, we can't keep putting it off."

"You shouldn't have dragged this out for so long. You should have started looking for a partner for your cousin much earlier," Madam Zhao said. "Commander Qin has been saying he has a girlfriend for a long time, and they've already registered their marriage. You're still dragging this out. Also, you really shouldn't have said those things. What will people think of your cousin after you said those things? Is your cousin still thinking about Commander Qin?"

"No, absolutely not," Shi Guilan said. "She also told me to find her a suitable partner as soon as possible. Do you know anyone suitable and could you introduce her to one?"

"What should I introduce her to? Didn't I introduce her to anyone before, and she wasn't satisfied with any of them?" Madam Zhao said. "As her older cousin, you should put in more effort and introduce her to a good match. We have plenty of fine men around here, you know?"

"I know, I know," Shi Guilan said. "My husband also said to hurry up, we both know."

"Alright, you can go back now," Madam Zhao said. "Be careful these days, as loose lips sink ships."

“Okay, definitely,” Shi Guilan said.

Shi Guilan still didn't know who had reported her. She thought of Song Fenglan, but then again, she feared it wasn't Song Fenglan. If it wasn't Song Fenglan, then who could it be? Who was secretly watching her? This person was far too sinister.

At noon, Mrs. Zhao went to the Qin family's house. She wanted to persuade Song Fenglan that Song Fenglan was afraid of taking someone else's job, so she suggested that the school add another position, which could be coordinated.

Madam Zhao called at the door for a long time, but no one answered.

"The Qin family isn't here, none of them are here," the fat woman said after hearing the noise.

"Not here?" Madam Zhao asked, puzzled.

"Yes, they're not here. Qin Tuan went to the army base, and his wife took the children to Professor Su's place." The plump woman said deliberately, "Qin Tuan's daughter is Professor Su's niece. Professor Su personally came to take them there. Well, his niece was bullied so badly, how could her uncle not take care of her?"

"Is the Qin family member Professor Su's niece?" Mrs. Zhao wondered.

"You didn't know?" the plump woman asked in surprise. "That's right, I didn't know at first either. I guess it's because of what Staff Officer Xu's family said on the radio yesterday, which Professor Su found out about. Professor Su couldn't bear to see his niece being wronged, so he brought his niece and grand-nephew over."

"..." Madam Zhao really didn't know the relationship between Professor Su and Song Fenglan. She thought that Song Fenglan could only rely on Commander Qin.

No wonder, no wonder, no wonder Song Fenglan dared to say she didn't want the position of junior high school teacher.

Madam Zhao also realized her mistake; she hadn't helped the right person. It did seem like she was trying to manipulate Song Fenglan for Shi Guilan's sake, no wonder Song Fenglan was so angry. The person didn't need a middle school teacher position at all; it wasn't that they couldn't find suitable work. Professor Su was a very famous figure.

It's often said that in highly specialized work, staff need to be discreet and discreet, but in the residential compound, not everything can be hidden.

With the military stationed here, it's safe for researchers to live here as well, greatly reducing the risk. The military also has patrols around the research institutes and the residences of the researchers, precisely to prevent any potential problems.

Madam Zhao thought to herself that Song Fenglan was truly tolerant; she hadn't revealed this connection. If Song Fenglan had, who would have dared to make things difficult for her? Shi Guilan thought she had a powerful advisor like Xu, and that her family background was good, but now it seemed Shi Guilan wasn't so great after all.

Once at the research institute, Song Fenglan was able to get right to work, thanks to her previous life's research on older models. She could articulate clearly and logically where improvements were needed and how they could be made, offering insightful and impressive explanations.

Professor Su was very satisfied with Song Fenglan's performance. She was his old classmate's niece, and also his own niece.

“From now on, you can eat at the institute’s canteen. It’s free here, so you don’t have to waste time cooking,” Professor Su said. “Hangbao can eat at your aunt’s place. Don’t worry about Hangbao not having anything to eat.”

"Thank you, Uncle, and thank you, Aunt," Song Fenglan said.

"We're all family, no need for formalities," Professor Su said. "You're quite capable; could you understand those books on your own?"

“I have a good memory. I read and wrote things down when I was a child, though I didn’t understand them much then, but I understood them much more later,” Song Fenglan said. “After graduating from high school, I also studied on my own.”

“Your family members are all intelligent; you’ve inherited it well.” Professor Su felt sad thinking about his old classmate. If only his old classmate were still alive. If his old classmate were alive, the Song family wouldn’t have become like this, and Song Fenglan wouldn’t have been buried in obscurity all those years. “Don’t worry, just focus on your work here. You’re capable; don’t worry about others looking down on you.”

"Mm." Song Fenglan nodded.

“If anyone dares to bully you, tell your uncle,” Professor Su said. “I might not be able to say anything elsewhere, but in this research institute, I can at least give them a piece of my mind.”

"Definitely. If anyone bullies me, I will definitely tell you," Song Fenglan said. "Now I have an uncle to protect me."

“Yes, that’s right. You do have family on your mother’s side. Your aunt and I are both here,” Professor Su said.

It wasn't just Professor Su who heard Song Fenglan's opinions; other professors did too. When Professor Su mentioned Song Xingyun, several people sighed with regret. They knew Song Xingyun, the exceptionally talented Song Xingyun, but sadly, he was assassinated and fell from grace so young.

No wonder Professor Su was so protective of Song Fenglan's admission to the research institute; how could Song Xingyun's niece be anything less than excellent?

A professor surnamed Cai brought a tray to Song Fenglan and glanced at her a few more times.

"You look a lot like your uncle in your eyes and brows," Professor Cai said. "Your uncle at that time..."

He was full of confidence and often said I was too incompetent.

“How could that be?” Song Fenglan said.

"Your surname is Cai?" Professor Su said.

“It was all a joke,” Professor Cai said. “Back then, we were playful and had a very good relationship.”

Professor Cai wasn't blaming Song Xingyun; he even remarked that Song Xingyun had a good name, which made his actions flow smoothly. Professor Cai and his friends had a good relationship and often joked around. Now, thinking back on those events, it felt like yesterday. Professor Cai took off his glasses and wiped them with a cloth.

"You all know each other?" Song Fenglan was unsure.

"I know him, we're classmates," Professor Cai said. "Your dad talked about Lao Su, but not about me?"

“This…” Song Fenglan didn’t know how to say it, but her father did indeed refer to Professor Su.

“Your father probably doesn’t know much,” Professor Cai said. “Not to mention me, Lao Su, there are a few other people here who either know your uncle or are familiar with him.”

Song Fenglan looked at Professor Su. She really didn't know; if she had, she would have come to curry favor long ago. These people couldn't easily lend a helping hand to Song's parents on the farm, but they could certainly help her, who was married to a soldier. However, there was a difference between her uncle being friends with these people and Song's father being friends with them.

“Your uncle was quite remarkable when he was young,” Professor Cai said. “If we set up a challenge, he could beat us all by himself; none of us were his match.”

Professor Cai recalled those past events and felt it was such a pity.

"You, on the other hand, have the air of your uncle," Professor Cai said. Looking at Song Fenglan, he felt as if he were seeing Song Xingyun. If Song Xingyun were still alive, would he have so easily pointed out the problem? Would he have said, "Old Cai, don't be so clueless! Do you think there's not enough food? Should we get another dish?"

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve never met my uncle. I only heard about him from my parents,” Song Fenglan said. “Back then, we had a lot of books at home, all of which my uncle had read.”

Now, those books are long gone; they were taken away by those people from the Revolutionary Committee, and nobody knows where they went. Back then, some people even trampled on those books, saying they were less useful than firewood.

Back then, Song Fenglan witnessed those events firsthand. She reached out to protect the books, but her parents pulled her back, preventing her from getting hurt. Understanding their good intentions, Song Fenglan could only endure the pain, silently shedding tears.

"He was influenced by his surroundings from a young age and became very intelligent," Professor Cai remarked.

“Xingyun’s niece is naturally intelligent, and she is also my niece,” Professor Su said.

“If she can be your niece, then she can be my niece,” Professor Cai said. “Xingyun and I used to live in the same dormitory; we were sworn brothers.”

Professor Cai recalled that he and Song Xingyun had gotten into trouble together, run away together, and played together.

Qin Zihang was very well-behaved with Madam Su. Madam Su let him eat lunch and take a nap. After Qin Zihang woke up from his nap, Madam Su even took him for a walk.

"Yes, this is my grand-nephew."

"Where did you get this grand-nephew from?"

"Qin Tuan's wife is my husband's niece, and also my niece. Their children are our grand-nephews."

"So she's your niece? That poor child, she just arrived with the army and is already being bullied."

...

Some people just love to stir things up. They deliberately talked about Shi Guilan in front of Madam Su, as if they were afraid that Madam Su wouldn't know.

“That child is kind-hearted. Even when she was bullied badly, she didn’t dare to come to us.” Mrs. Su sighed. “She only came to us because she had no other choice. When she came, her uncle wasn’t home yet. She was afraid of causing me trouble, so she went back to her own home for dinner.”

“Mom said if I look up, the tears won’t fall.” Qin Zihang held Mrs. Su’s hand.

"Did your mother cry?" someone asked.

“Mom looked up,” Qin Zihang said.

That means she cried!

Those people thought they had seen the truth. And rightly so, how could Qin Tuan's daughter, so delicate and frail, not cry? She was probably crying secretly in secret. A newcomer to the army couldn't compare to someone who had been with the army for years; she could only swallow her bitterness.

Song Fenglan didn't cry; she didn't know her son had said those things. She had indeed told him to look up, otherwise the tears would fall. But she looked up not because she was afraid of crying; she didn't cry.

Madam Su didn't know if Song Fenglan had shed tears, but since Qin Zihang had said so, then it must be true.

“My poor Hangbao, your mother is pitiful too. It’s all because your uncles, aunts, uncles and aunts didn’t take good care of you.” Madam Su hugged Qin Zihang. “Your mother didn’t even say a word when she came over.”

"Mom said we can't let our elders worry." Qin Zihang gently patted Madam Su's hand, looking like a little adult.

“Your mother is just too cautious.” Madam Su shed two tears. “From now on, your aunt will take care of you. Don’t be afraid.”

"Yes, I'll listen to my aunt," Qin Zihang said.

Mrs. Su was well-liked. She didn't have a regular job and often chatted with and helped these people. The people Mrs. Su associated with were mostly older, such as the Wu family next door. When these people heard Mrs. Su say these things, they all felt that Shi Guilan's behavior was inappropriate.

"She's from Staff Officer Xu's family. She was a stepmother before the first wife died," someone said. "She's two-faced, cruel to both her stepdaughters, and she's never stopped scolding them. Your niece is so delicate and gentle, she's no match for her. That person is taking advantage of your niece because she has no backing, and she's bullying her to death."

"That's right." Madam Su wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "Normally, I don't like to talk about these things. We're old and can't manage so much. But this is our niece. My niece has had a hard life. She's only been here a short time and she's already being bullied like this. What, just because my niece didn't come to us and doesn't have any backing, does that mean she can be bullied like this?"

“Mom didn’t ruin my life.” Qin Zihang couldn’t help but say after hearing Madam Su’s words. “Mom cherishes me the most. Mom is so good to me. I don’t want a stepmother. I don’t want a stepmother. I don’t want a bad stepmother!”

"What a heartless wretch!" someone nearby said. "No one from Staff Officer Xu's family is any good. I think everyone in her family likes to be a stepmother!"

When Shi Guilan learned that Song Fenglan was actually Professor Su's niece, she almost fainted from anger. How could this be? How could this be?

“Song Fenglan’s surname is Song, not Su. How could she possibly be Professor Su’s niece? Professor Su’s wife’s surname isn’t Song either.” Shi Guilan stared at her cousin, her eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. “Who said that? Who’s spouting nonsense over there?”